Today's Jewish community provides a surplus of alternative and
personalized ways to "be" Jewish. As a result, many young adults in
their 20s and 30s are
living their Judaism outside the walls of denominational synagogue
life. Realizing that traditional methods of engagement are no longer
effective, Reform
congregations must think creatively and experiment with innovative
partners and young adults to co-create new on-ramps into communal life.

The URJ Emerging Young Adult Initiatives Community of Practice brought together congregations interested in starting or significantly
enhancing their efforts with this cohort from January 2013-June 2014. It was comprised of eight congregations that shared a concern and passion for 20s and 30s
engagement together and sought to advance current strategies. Through participation over the 18-month process, the leaders learned together about key challenges and opportunities of young adult engagement,
studied best principles from across the field, and identified and executed a pilot experiment to scale-up their efforts at home.

Topics Covered

Exploring Best Principles & Trends in the Field

Discussing Broad Challenges

Leadership, Mission & Vision

Local Community Mapping

Building Your Base of Congregational Support

Financing Your Young Adult Initiative

Social Media & Communications

Network-Building & Peer Support

Drafting & Implementing an Engagement Initiative for their own Congregation